Swiss individuals are motivated by the desire to have a positive impact when starting a business. This was a point highlighted in the GEM 2022/2023 Global Report. Encouraging this career path and embracing digital services are crucial to support their aspirations.
In Switzerland, making a difference in the world is the primary driving force behind entrepreneurship, with a rate of 57.4% – higher than the average for high GDP per capita countries. Interestingly, women (63%) are more inclined towards this motivation than men (53.8%). Other factors include the need for employment (47.1%), wealth creation (37.1%), and, to a lesser extent, engaging in a family activity (11.2%).
In terms of identifying opportunities, regional disparities are evident. German-speaking regions show a higher proportion of people perceiving opportunities for starting a business within six months (54.8%), compared to French-speaking (33.2%) and Italian-speaking (11.8%) regions.
Promoting entrepreneurship as a career choice requires further efforts, as Switzerland's rate of entrepreneurial activity among high GDP per capita countries stands at 38.3% – well below the average of 65.1%.
Rico Baldegger, Raphaël Gaudart and Pascal Wild have further analysed these results and provided concrete recommendations in a new policy brief on cultivating the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Switzerland. The report notes key messages for policymakers to improve ecosystems that stimulate entrepreneurship - and, ultimately, prosperity for all.
1. Policymakers need to promote entrepreneurial cultural openness, entrepreneurial education, and entrepreneurship as a career choice.
2. The value of entrepreneurship in business and society must be enhanced by information campaigns or internships that promote entrepreneurship as a good career choice.
3. The added value of digitalization in business models is not sufficiently recognized by Swiss entrepreneurs. This needs to be addressed.
4. Women entrepreneurs are still under-represented in Switzerland. Fostering women entrepreneurs and diversity is imperative.
5. The market dynamic in Switzerland is low compared to other high-income countries. It is important to enhance ease-of-market entry and foster a competitive market dynamic.
You can learn more about by accessing the complete policy brief.